I've noticed that in Orthodox shuls, it's common for men to drink alcohol (such as a shot of scotch or vodka or perhaps a liqueur), other than just kiddush wine, especially after Shacharis on Shabbos. However, I've never seen women doing this (or even drinking shots on Purim, for that matter). Why is this? Is there a source in halacha against women drinking alcohol in public? Is it just assumed to be contrary to modesty? Or is it just that, in American culture, women don't tend to (or are not expected to) like hard liquor by itself?

Alternatively, consider reframing to: "I've noticed that in Orthodox shuls, it's uncommon for women to drink alcohol other than just kiddush wine. However, I've seen men doing this. Why is this? Is there a source in halacha that encourages men to drink alcohol in public?"
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FredOct 29 '13 at 1:40

Is it totally random, or is there some pattern? For example, have you ever been at a chassidic shul in which women were drinking l'chayims on Shabbos? I would think this would be less likely.
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KordoveroOct 29 '13 at 13:28